All of our senses are important, but vision, smell, and hearing–and, of course, your intuitive sixth sense–directly affect the Feng Shui of your property. These senses in particular reach out beyond our physical boundaries and connect us to people and spaces in ways that are often subtle and unnoticed.
They extend out beyond your property and provide a big picture snapshot of your Feng Shui. Although the space inside your home and your own yard affect you directly, your entire neighborhood sets the tone for the overall Feng Shui of your home.
Be a stranger in your own home
Pretend for a moment that you are a stranger passing by your home or business. What kind of feeling do you have about the property? Can you sense anything about the people who occupy this space?
Now in your mind’s eye approach the front door of your home. What do you see? Is it pleasing or is there something unpleasant? Or perhaps you feel or see that there’s something just a wee bit off. Often these are things that we can easily correct.
Vision is our most predominant sense. Your eyes perceive color and light before any other sense is activated. Color is absorbed through the skin as well as the eyes. Even people with visual challenges are affected by color.
What do you see when you open your front door? Do your eyes easily transition from the exterior to the interior? Do the colors blend and flow from the outside to the inside?
Your sense of smell is also immediate and extremely important. If possible, plant fragrant flowers or herbs along the walkway to your front door and make sure that guests (and you) encounter pleasing natural aromas when you step inside. Avoid candles, household, and cleaning products that list “fragrance” on the label and instead opt for high quality essential oils.
If you wish to create an experience related to a certain part of the Bagua, explore scents that bring forth the essence of that area. For instance, to enhance the Children’s area you can add a plant or essential oil with a strong spicy scent.
Sound is another sense that immediately affects us and it’s often not easily controlled. If you’re moving into a new space, pay attention to the sounds of the neighborhood. If they’re not appealing, see if you can work with soundproofing or masking them with pleasant music or other sound. Even consider using a white noise machine if noise disturbs your sleep.
Many of my clients and I personally have had great luck in deflecting unwanted noise using strategically placed mirrors.
A common Feng Shui enhancement for increasing opportunity is to place wind chimes near the front door. If you do this, always choose chimes with a sound that you love. Never hang a chime that annoys you.
Taste and touch are more personal. Taste is closely related to scent. If you have mint or another pungent herb growing near the path to your door, you may almost be able to taste it. Also food is important in Feng Shui as it’s related to prosperity. (Watch for more information about this in future newsletters)
Touch refers to the various textures throughout your property. Although you may not always physically touch the different textures in your environment, you feel them with your eyes. They contribute to your visual sense of depth and your ability to distinguish details in your space.
To learn more about light, color, and vision,
see my book “COLOR POWER to Enhance Your Feng Shui”
Next month’s newsletter will cover information about using
the five elements in your garden.
Have a sensational summer!
Suzanne
© Suzanne Metzger, Feng Shui Consulting Services • 6/30/11